Gate Revenue Sets New Record

Chronicle (Levin), 31 January 1949, Page 4

Gate Revenue Sets New Record

Fixture The Most Successful Yet j 6ate revenue broke all recorcU over the tvrv iays.of the Horowhenua A. and P." Association's innual show, which concluded on Saturday night. This happy result, coineiding with the largest entries ever received, made the fixture the most successful in the association's history. Saturday, which was "People's Day" s.'tracted a large crowd of onlookers, but the attendance fell -slightly in the evening. The total gate takings showed an increase of £39 over the last show, the total being £529 as against £490 in 1947. The dairy classes which were judged in the morning, attra'cted considerable interest, the champion award for the best dairy cow going to Mr. M. J. Parker's Friesian cow, Koromiko F.P. Trixie. It was of interest to note that the first four places were occupied by Friesians, Jerseys and Ayrshires respectively. The only tie for first place for all dairy sections was shared by a 'Friesian and an Ayrshire, both bred and owned in the Horowhenua. In keeping with the large number of entries in the Fribsian section was the fact that all combined breed classes were secured by this breed. - : '*

The biggest event in the equestrian section was the Wellington provincial championship . jumping competition, which was secured by Mrs. J.. BeardV Ranger. The best lady rider competition went to Miss Freda White. It was most pleasing to note the large :number of ponies entered. It reflected credit on the pony clubs which have been established in the district and the interest which theyhave roused. Judges also commented on this fact, adding that the standard of riding had. shown a marked improvement in consequence. The following is a detailed comparison of the financial returns from the gates . f or " the last two shows:

The Grand Parade The grand parade was a most impressive display of stock wealth and created considerable pubiic interest. Pride of place at the head of the column went to'the newcomers to this district and to; the Ddriiini°n, ; nafaely the:;Piack Galloway beef cattle. ■ ' This Wac the first time* tnaty these -'ariimals have been displayed a;t' a show, arid td- mar k the occasiori a^siimrtiary 6f ' their history WRs ' gfv'en b^* the' -unnouncei'v * : Leading the pfize-wiriners werC' the Ayrshires, with the champion bull at their head. Next- came the Jerseys, Shorthorns, Friesians, grade 'dairy 'Cattle' and boys' and girls' calves. - FlrSt place in the horse section was occupied by the champion Clydesdale, .. working horses following -.rimmediately ' be-: hind. Striking'-was^ the procession of hacks, which .came next, followed by the' ponies and the two eighthorse teams. *?;?.. v- . Horse Teams' Contes.t The arrival of the eignt-horse teams .caused considerable interest, as this was the first time that they were competing for the New Zealand championship. It was also the first time that the honour has been contested, as two eight-horse waggon teams have never been present at any show. The award was won by Mr. Roy Craig's team from Oroua Downs, but Mr. W. McLeavey's team was in no way disgraeed, putting up a great showing. Always popular with the pubiic is an eXhibition of sheep dogs 'at work, and the display by Mr. H. H." Harris' Border Fay, which won the Australian championship at the Sydney Royal Show, richly deserved the applause it received. President's Gratificatioii During the afternoon the president, Mr. J. A. Kilsby, welcomed those present ' and congratulated exhibitors on the high quality of the stock' exhibited. The standard was indeed a credit to them, he added, and to any district. "For the first time in a showring in New Zealand .you have been privileged to hee a display of Galloway cattle, continued Mr. Kilsby. These have been imported from Scotland by enthusiasts in this district. He then referred to the magnificence of the eight-horse teams and said there was justification in claiming the winner to be 'the champion team of the Dominion. "The number of entries for this show constitutes an all-time record. ■ The membership stands higher today than ever before and the attendance will, I feel sure, surpass that of any previous show. "On behalf of the members I extend sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have assisted i making this the all time record show," said Mr. Kilsby. To the judges and officials, who have so ably carried out their duties, to those who have assisted with, donations and trophies, with the! preparation of the grounds, with the feeding and padddcking of stodk, and to all voluntary workers and the Press, I extend thanks. "in conclusion, fof the loyal cooperation I have received I extend my personal thanks to members of the general committee, to the ladies' committee, the town committee dnd to our secretary." They Worked Well Always present when needed, the Levin St. John Ambulance Division, under Superintendent H. Palmer, attended to the small number of casUalties during the two days. The •LeVin Police, under Sergeant W.

mmSSmSSmSrn, mj Grainger, were also present, reinforced with members of the force from'^Palmerston North. The stewards and judges did an excellent job and. are deserving of the highest praise, and also membefs of the committee and the secXetary, Mr. J. E. Fullarton. ; ... The Night Show The> night snow proyided the-, pubiit; with'. some top.line enter- ; tainrnent by.,prominent Welligton' aftists. A capacity au'dience filled the main stand and enclosure, although rain threatened during tne early evening. Shortly after 10 p.m. light rain began to fall during the screening of one of the several films shown and this necessitated the hurrled conclusion of the programme. A s'eries of bright items was pre-' sented by • talented artists with' Maurice Hawken, well-known 2ZB quiz-master, as compere. He made lively comment and kept the show jnoving ! in :his inimitable style. Bob Henry, one of Wellington's most popular radio and stage pianists, provided a delightful selection of popular and classical tunes. He a!so acted as accompani'St for Noel Mackay, the dualvoiced songster. Noel McKay was one of the highlights of the sho'w. He sang many songs, taking both baritone and soprano voices to the amusement and delight of the audience. His rapid change from one key to another was literally amazing and he sang equally well in either baritone or soprano. The third performer was "Baffles," a magican of no mean quality. His sleight - of - hand tricks were well done and his careful explanation of the method enlightened the audience not in the least. He would1 not, however, reveal his identity. Each of these artists gave several items, while Maurice Hawken conducted a quiz which provea most entertaining. Following the variety show, a series of open air films was presented.

1949 ,1947 First day £72 „ £100 Second day . . £390 £290 * Night show . . £67 £100 £529 £490